Cooktops

Expand the available cooking area in a home or commercial kitchen with single or multi-burner cooktops. Freestanding units are portable and easy to store when they're not in use. Built-in surfaces add cooking capabilities to break rooms or permanently increase the heating elements available in a kitchen. Explore the small kitchen appliances available at Staples® and find a cooktop to meet almost any food preparation need.

CooktopsAre a Versatile Heat Source
Portable and in-counter cookers come in configurations that can take on a broad range of cooking challenges. Many single-burner models plug into a standard wall outlet and require very little space. Use one to add temporary cooking space to a home kitchen when entertaining or to demonstrate food preparation techniques in retail locations. Many built-in products fit standard counter cutouts and offer multiple color options that match any kitchen decor.

Cooktop controls provide fine-grained adjustments across a broad range of temperature settings. Many models also have built-in timers that let chefs track cooking times and LED indicators that show temperature and on/off status. Some models have sensors that enhance safety by automatically shutting off empty burners.

Cooktops Offer a Range of Cooking Technologies
Built-in or portable burners use several types of heat sources. Electric cooktops reach high temperatures quickly, and their smooth glass surfaces are easy to clean. Gas cooktops offer excellent control over the heating element's output and respond quickly to temperature adjustments. Some gas burners are also compatible with multiple types of fuel, making them ideal for tailgating, camping, or outdoor catering. Induction cooktops are a safe cooking solution that only heats the pan. They're an excellent option for cooking demonstrations or homes with children, and they're also energy efficient.

How Many Burners Do Cooktops Have?
Many countertop models have a single burner, making them a compact cooking option, but two-burner products are also available. In-counter units have four or five heating elements, and some include oversized burners that handle large stock pots and provide the high temperatures needed for wok cooking.

What Type of Fuel Do Gas Cooktops Use?
Most gas burners intended for indoor use connect to a natural gas source. Some portable models use either propane or butane fuel. These units often have a hose with connectors that work with a variety of standard gas canisters, making it easy to find fuel.

What Cookware Can You Use With Cooktops?
These products have burners that are at least 6.5 inches wide and accommodate pots and pans of almost any size. Gas burners are compatible with most cookware, but flat-bottomed metal pans provide the best performance when using an electric cooktop. An induction heating element requires pots and pans with magnetic bases.

What Are the Power Requirements for Cooktops?
Many portable units plug into standard 120-volt plugs, but products intended for commercial use and built-in stove tops may require a 208-220 volt power supply. Most indoor gas heating elements also require an electrical connection, typically 120 volts, to power an electronic ignition system. This feature automatically lights the burner when you turn it on.